Winds of change

As a couple we have decided to adopt the Food Addicts Anonymous food plan. Sierra will continue to eat whatever is healthy and nutritious for her. In an effort to reduce our consumption of "less than healthy" foods we did a clean sweep of our cabinets, refrigerator, freezer, hiding places and stashes. We gave away at least 17 bags of groceries. The only gluten in our house is in Sierra's cupboard. The Abstinent Food Plan, as directed by Food Addicts Anonymous (www.foodaddictsanonymous.org) has truly changed our habits, cravings and bodies. We started the week of June 17. Both my husband and I have each lost over 15 lbs to date. He's lost more than I have, however I'm not 100% sure what his tally is as of right now. We are both very clear that this is a lifestyle change. We both have noticed that if we eat something that contains wheat, gluten, sugar, etc. (BIG no no's) that we feel sluggish, and want junk food. I had a trip for work to Dallas for 3 days. While traveling, by myself for the first time, I indulged myself. Alcohol, bread, fast food, caffeine, soda, and Mrs. Baird's fried pies... Delicious! By the time I got home I could barely keep my eyes open. For the next 2 days I was sluggish and my drive to do anything was gone. I took naps each day and barely felt like I had rested. By day 3 of being home, I walked 4.5 miles, cleaned our 3 bedroom/2 level town home from top to bottom, took care of our 14 month daughter and then went to water aerobics for an hour that night. Yeah, the energy was back and it felt GREAT! I am a woman who was diagnosed with PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrome) in 2001. The FAA food plan fits within the guidelines for a woman with PCOS, allowing my body to function at it's peak rather than slugging through the sludge that clogs up my metabolism like gluten, caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and junk food. I have created some recipes in my own strange little brain that fit within the guidelines that we have deduced work for us. The FAA food plan does not include a few of the ingredients that are listed in my recipes. The reason is that we have experimented with the ingredients and have determined that they are not "triggers" for us, they don't cause us to want to go binge on a whole box of ice cream sandwiches, which I've done. I'm not proud of it, but there you go. Here are some pictures of the meals we eat:

Grilled Chicken thighs, broccoli, corn, tomato/red onion salad

Polenta, caramelized onions with mushrooms, grilled chicken breast

Our version of a "burrito bowl" from Chipotle Spinach, Butter lettuce, black beans, brown rice, salsa, left over steak, guacamole (I also added yogurt after the picture was taken)

Our standard salad: Lettuce, spinach, red onions, tomatoes, bleu cheese, avocado and Newman's Own Oil and Vinegar dressing Baked sweet potato (done in saran wrap in the microwave!), grilled chicken thighs, broccoli and decaf herbal tea

Our standard salad as before Hamburger, caramelized onions, bleu cheese, wrapped in lettuce

This is grilled pork country ribs, sweet potatoes and broccoli

Breakfast! Decaf coffee with milk, water, eggs over medium, baked oatmeal and blueberries

Shrimp tacos! Crunch taco shells, sauteed shrimp, caramelized onions and salsa I did add guacamole and yogurt after the picture was taken, but it wasn't as pretty to photograph

Standard Salad Corn on the cob, steak and green beans

Standard Salad Brown rice, broiled zucchini with parmesan, grilled chicken breast

Decaf coffee with milk, water, eggs over medium, blueberries and puffed corn

Standard Salad "Fried" chicken, brown rice, orange glazed carrots

Closer pic of our Standard Salad

Steak, mashed potatoes and grilled baby squash

My favorite salad: avocados, mozzarella, tomatoes, red onions and Newman's Own Oil & Vinegar dressing Grilled Chicken, brown rice and carrots

Standard Salad Steak, brown rice, broiled asparagus

Orange glazed carrots, broiled new potatoes, tri tip roast We shop in bulk, so many of the meals feature the ingredients we had on hand at the time. We obviously eat a lot of red meat. We're working on adding in more poultry and fish, however we really LIKE red meat, so it's a splurge for us. If you're interested in recipes, please express your request in the comments below.